You can close a Bank of America savings account in person, by phone, or by mail — the fastest way is usually a branch visit

Closing a savings account at Bank of America takes a few steps, but none of them are complicated. You'll need to empty the account first (the bank won't close it while money is in it), decide what to do with any remaining balance, and then tell the bank you want to close it. The whole process usually takes a few minutes if you do it in a branch, or a few days if you do it by phone or mail.

Before you start, check whether you have any automatic transfers or bill payments tied to this account — those will stop working once the account closes. If you do, you'll want to move them to a different account first or cancel them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must withdraw or transfer all money out of the account before Bank of America will close it.
  • The fastest way to close is to visit a branch in person with your ID, which takes about 10 minutes.
  • If you close by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your debit card or statement and be ready to answer security questions.
  • After you request closure, the account typically closes within one to two business days, though it may take longer if there are pending transactions.
  • If the account has been inactive or overdrawn, the bank may have already closed it — you can check by logging into your online account or calling.

Empty the account before you request closure

Bank of America will not close a savings account that still has money in it. You have two options: withdraw the cash in person at a branch, or transfer the balance to another account (at Bank of America or elsewhere).

If you're transferring to another bank, you can do this online through your Bank of America account — go to Transfers, select the account you want to close, and choose the destination account. The transfer usually takes one to three business days. If you're withdrawing cash, bring your ID to any Bank of America branch and ask the teller to withdraw the full balance.

Once the account shows a zero balance, you're ready to request closure. If there are pending deposits or checks that haven't cleared yet, wait for those to post first — the bank won't close the account until everything has settled.

Close the account in person at a branch

This is the fastest method. Walk into any Bank of America branch with your ID and tell a teller you want to close your savings account. They'll pull up your account, confirm the balance is zero, and process the closure on the spot. Bring your debit card if you have one, though it's not required.

The teller will ask why you're closing (they're required to ask, but your answer doesn't affect whether they'll close it). They'll also confirm your contact information and may mention other Bank of America products, but you can decline. The account closes when ready, though it may take a day or two to disappear from your online account.

Close the account by phone

Call the customer service number on the back of your Bank of America debit card, on a recent statement, or visit bankofamerica.com and look for the phone number in the Contact Us section. Tell the representative you want to close your savings account.

They'll ask you to verify your identity by answering security questions or providing your Social Security number. Once verified, they'll confirm the account balance is zero and process the closure. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Ask the representative to email or mail you a confirmation that the account has been closed — this is useful to have on record.

Close the account by mail

If you prefer not to visit a branch or call, you can send a written request. Write a letter that includes your name, the account number you want to close, and a statement that you're requesting closure. Sign and date the letter, then mail it to the address on your statement or the Bank of America mailing address listed on their website.

Include a copy of your ID (front and back) with the letter. Mail it certified with return receipt so you have proof it arrived. The bank will process the request within five to seven business days and send you a confirmation letter. This method is slower than the others, so use it only if you can't visit a branch or make a phone call.

What happens after you request closure

Once you've requested closure, the account will close within one to two business days in most cases. You'll no longer be able to access it online, and any debit card linked to it will stop working. If you have overdraft protection set up on another account, that will also stop working for this account.

Check your online account a few days after closure to confirm it's gone. If the account is still showing after a week, call customer service to follow up. Keep any confirmation letter or email the bank sends you — you may need it for your records.

If the account is already closed

Sometimes Bank of America closes accounts automatically if they've been inactive for a long time (usually a year or more with no deposits or withdrawals) or if the account has been overdrawn and the overdraft wasn't resolved. You can check whether your account is still open by logging into your online account — if it doesn't appear in your account list, it's closed.

If you're not sure whether it's closed, call customer service with your account number. They can tell you the status and, if it's closed, when that happened. If there's still money in the account, the bank will have sent it to you by check or held it according to state law — ask the representative where your balance went.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have a pending check or automatic deposit?

Wait for pending transactions to clear before closing. If a check is still outstanding, the bank may keep the account open until it clears. If you're expecting a deposit, let it post first, then withdraw or transfer the money before requesting closure.

Can I reopen the account after I close it?

Yes, but Bank of America may treat it as a new account. If you closed it recently and change your mind, call customer service right away — they may be able to reopen it before it's fully processed. If it's already closed, you can open a new savings account, though there may be a waiting period.

Will closing the account hurt my credit?

No. Closing a savings account does not affect your credit score. Credit scores are based on credit accounts like credit cards and loans, not deposit accounts. You can close a savings account without any impact on your credit.

What if there's a fee to close the account?

Bank of America does not charge a fee to close a savings account. If a representative mentions a fee, ask them to explain it — it may be an outstanding balance or overdraft charge, not a closure fee. You should never pay money to close a deposit account.

Do I need to close the account in the same state where I opened it?

No. You can close your account at any Bank of America branch, by phone, or by mail, regardless of where you opened it. The bank's system is national, so location doesn't matter.